Conor McGregor has hinted at a spectacular return to martial arts with a boxing exhibition scheduled to take place in India in 2025 against social media star Logan Paul. The announcement marks a turnaround for the 36-year-old Irishman, who has continued his career thus far. He has been active since sustaining a serious leg injury in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 more than three years ago.
Last week, McGregor sparked a social media buzz by suggesting his return would take place in a boxing ring rather than the Octagon. In a post on X, he revealed that preliminary agreements are in the works with India’s Ambani family to stage the much-awaited bout. The event is reportedly in association with India’s Visit India tourism campaign and will be held at Mumbai’s iconic 33,000-capacity Wankhede Cricket Stadium.
McGregor is expected to earn an astronomical $250 million (£200 million) for the fight, which is being touted as one of the richest purses in boxing history. McGregor shared his excitement online, posting heart and Indian flag emojis alongside a journalist’s announcement of the fight.
Mukesh Ambani, one of the world’s richest men with a net worth of over £95 billion, is said to be emceeing the event. If confirmed, the bout would be a major spectacle, bringing together global stars of martial arts and social media in an unprecedented setting.
But there are complications with the potential match. McGregor remains under contract with the UFC, with two fights remaining on the contract he signed before his iconic bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018. UFC fighters are generally prohibited from participating in other combat sports without explicit approval from the promotion.
This isn’t the first time McGregor has moved beyond the UFC. In 2017, he made his boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather in a blockbuster event co-promoted with the UFC, setting a precedent for cross-promotional ventures.
As discussions continue, fans await official confirmation of the bout, which promises to combine star power, entertainment and global appeal in an extraordinary spectacle on Indian soil.
